No Chassis Lighting, '86 Elandan P30

[Chicisles1]

Sent: 5/31/2007

On a 1986 Winnie Elandan on p30 chassis, the lights have gone out. I have checked fuses ok new light switch. When testing I put the beverage tray lamp on  but when I pull light switch to first position, the tray lamp goes out. This also happens when I switch on courtesy light or map reading light. I have cleaned and greased the battery neg to chassis cable and the engine to chassis cable. The fan belt had broken recently and has been replaced but the van was driven a miles before I realized. HELP,  cHAS

[Slantsixness]

Sent: 5/31/2007

Two possibilities that come to mind:

First, is it the running/driving lights for the chassis that went out? (I'm assuming that's what it is) or the coach lights

If it's the chassis lights, and maybe a few interior lights like the beverage tray, map lights etc...


   1. Check the connection and or the headlight switch. If I'm correct, the 86 has the standard GM pull out light switch on the left side. It may have gone bad. also check the headlights.. if you have quad lights, they can short out and cause the lighting system to act funny, like everything works with the high beams, but nothing works with the low beams. This is a GM "feature" which has caused many a backyard mechanic quite a few six packs to get over.
   2. Check for 12V at the chassis fuse box "BAT" terminal. If it's not there, look for broken connections at the battery, a thermal fuse link, additional fuse, broken wires or corrosion. (A PENNY STUCK IN THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE YOUR MIND... CHECK IT!)
   3. Another idea is the ignition switch, which can interrupt the 12v "constant on" section, but still allow the chassis to start and run.

If it's the coach systems that are out, let me know, but probably the main power supply fuse on the BACK of the coach panel would be popped, along with any other circuit problems that might have caused it to go. (remove all front fuses, replace the main fuse, then replace them individually to find the circuit at fault) Or, the power supply/charger in the bottom of the panel shorted out (that happens, replace it with one of the newer ones with a charge wizard if it is toast.)

Hope this helps,

Tom 

[Chicisles1]

Sent: 6/10/2007

I t is the driving lights. i have a new switch but there is no power coming to the switch ineither on the red cable  for headlamps nor the orange cable for side and tail lights. i I have applied a remote 12v source to the headlamp cable at the switch, lights will work, this also applies when I put the 12v to the brown tail and side light cable at the switch. I think therefore there is a short between battery and fuse box as I can not get a reading on the input for lights at fusebox

[ontheroadagain]

Sent: 6/10/2007

you should have a main harness connector that goes through the firewall near or right behind the fuse box over time they loosen up and can get corroded and lose the connection the lights get power from the main battery terminal on the starter or sometimes there is a juction on the firewall near the battery there should be a fusible link on that wire near the starter sometime they can melt the wire but not the insulation so give it a pull to make sure the link is not melted

[Chicisles1]

Sent: 6/11/2007

Thanks for info. I checked the fusible links coming off starter, continuity ok through links. I then checked from starter pin to link, no continuity. gentle pull on cable and it came away in my hand. spliced cable back in and problem solved.

[ontheroadagain]

Sent: 6/11/2007 8:42 PM

great,let there be light !

[Dolores]

Hello, just reading your comments.....my Brave headlamps are playing up. They work on heads but one side doesn't light up when 'dipped' although the other side does.   I was on the verge of buying a new headlamp, but will have to check the wiring now.

[Dolores]

Turns out it WAS a new headlamp needed, thank goodness.